My Favourite Travel Movies

During this weird and unprecedented time of global pandemic where we all have to stay not only in our home countries, but in our homes, it can be hard not to feel tied down. For those of us who travel is a huge part of our lives it sucks not knowing when we will be able to be out connecting with the world again. Fear not I’ve got you covered! I’ve been going back and watching my favourite travel movies! All of these films are not only set in amazing locations, but they’re also about travel and personal journeys. So while we wait for the borders to open up again, check out some of these epic travel films that will give you inspiration when planning your next trip and maybe help out with that travel craving!

1. ROMAN HOLIDAY

Perhaps my all time favourite travel movie that fully inspired my most recent trip to Italy. Roman Holiday is a movie about a princess who runs away to Rome and falls in love with an American news reporter. Last time I was in Rome I lived my very best Audrey Hepburn life! It will make you want to zoom around the eternal city on a vespa and stick your hand in the Bocco della Vertia!

2. EAT PRAY LOVE

The classic ‘find yourself while travelling’ movie. Julia Roberts stars as Elizabeth who is going through a divorce and needs to reconnect with herself. She decided to start her journey by learning the joy of eating in Italy, the power of prayer in India and the balance of love and self in Bali. This would have been a dream movie to make travelling to all the amazing destinations. Its a fun watch that will make you want to pack your bags!

3. MOTORCYCLE DIARIES

This is the story of Che Guevara before he became the revolutionist he is known for today. The movie depicts his 1952 motorcycle journey through South America with his friend Alberto. The scenery as they journey through the landscapes of Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru are incredible. If you want to see more of South America this will fuel that wanderlust.

4. DARJEELING LIMITED

Wes Anderson is my favourite director. He’s quirky and weird and colourful and the Darjeeling Limited has all of that. The movie is about three brothers who set out on a journey across India after the death of their father. They travel by train which gives a different perspective of India and shows lots of stop along the way. The film is literally exploding with colour and energy its a must see!

5. THELMA & LOUISE

The ultimate American road trip movie! The story of two best friends who hit the road on the run to Mexico after Thelma accompanies Louise on a fishing trip and disaster strikes causing them to high tail it out of there! Featuring a very young Brad Pitt and it has one of the most epic endings there is! This film will have you wanting to throw on you vintage Levi’s, rent a classic car and start cruising down Route 66.

6. CRAZY RICH ASIANS

If this movie doesn’t make you pack your bags and head to Singapore then there’s something wrong with you! The story of American Rachel Chu who is subjected to her boyfriends extremely wealthy family is a perfect romantic comedy. It’s filled with over the top designer outfits, crazy beautiful filming location, tons of humor, and shows off the best of what Singapore has to offer from the night markets, the gardens by the bay, Sentosa island to epic ending at the Marina Bay Sands hotel.

7. CHOCOLAT

I fell in love with this movie when I was 13. I think I’ve watched it over 100 times. Its the story of a woman, played by Juliette Binoche, and her daughter who arrive in the small, fictional French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes to open up a chocolaterie where she meets a handsome young Johnny Depp…need I say more. Although the town isn’t real, this movie will have you wanting to spend your summer in a tiny French village that smells of lavender and chocolate.

8. LEAP YEAR

Last time I was in Ireland I was in Wicklow where the movie was filmed hoping some of that rom-com luck would rub off! It’s about a woman who comes to Ireland to partake in the old tradition that on a leap year a woman can propose. She meets an extremely handsome Irishman who she convinces to drive her to Dublin. Hijinks ensue. Most of the film takes place on the road all through the Irish countryside. My favourite scene takes place in some old Celtic ruins aka the Rock of Dunamase in County Laois!

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9. australia

I already know that this is going to be a divisive choice for some people as the movie didn’t do great when it was released, but I like it! Say what you want about the film, but Baz Lurhman did an incredible job of showing off the beauty of the Australian outback and I absolutely watched it to hype myself up before my trip down under! Set in the early 40’s, the movie follows lady Sarah Ashley as she travels to Australia to her families property of Faraway Downs. She meets ‘Drover’ played by the delicious Hugh Jackman where she learns about cattle droving, the appalling treatment of the aboriginals and the Australian way of life.

10. INTO THE WILD

This is one of my favourite movies of all time. Its left such an impact on me since the first time I’ve watched it. Its the heartbreaking true story of Christopher McCandless who decided to renounce all of his possessions and hitchhike across America. Emile Hirsch is unbelievable in the main role. Wait till you see the shots of Alaska and Colorado. I think its an important film for those who travel and for whom journeying is a vital part of their life.

11. MAMMA MIA

This movie fully inspired me to go to Greece! The story of a Donna, a free spirited woman who runs away to Kalokairi (in real life its the island of Skopelos) where she meets three men and has a daughter. Years later her daughter Sophie invites all three to her wedding, unsure of which one is her father. All set to the music of ABBA. Its got singing, Greece and Meryl Streep. Its a perfect movie to make you smile and have you booking a ticket to Greece! Opa!

HONOURABLE MENTIONS:

EUROTRIP:

I don’t care that this movie is crass and stupid, its also a classic! Four friends road tripping across Europe so that one can meet the girl of his dreams. You’ll see Berlin, Rome, London, Paris, Amersterdam and more. Its a super fun, easy watching movie that reminds me of my first time backpacking and will make you want to party your way across Europe for sure.

ANY MARY-KATE AND ASHLEY MOVIE:

My fellow 90’s girls will get agree with me on this! Passport to Paris. New York Minute. Winning London. Our Lips Are Sealed. Holiday in the Sun. When in Rome. The Olsen twins take you literally anywhere in the world you could want to go! There is always romance, fashion, fun and shots of the most beautiful cities in the world! Throw on a marathon and start planning your travel itinerary!